So I will try the backlight suggestion. As I mentioned in the what have I tried section above I did in fact try the power cord disconnect idea without result. One interesting though maybe coincidental symptom, the width of the dark spot is almost the exact width of the "information" feature of the Direct TV features. Also, it appears on about 70% of the right side of the screen. Does any of this give you any additional ideas?

No, not if the issue is also present when viewing from the Sony DVD/Smart box. LCD screens don't "burn in" like Plasmas so the Information area from Direct TV wouldn't have any bearing unless the issue ONLY occurs when viewing Direct TV.

If the issue goes beyond the Backlight setting adjustment, and is 100% for certain occurring with both Direct TV as well as the Sony box, then this is actually an intermittent failure in the backlights in your LCD panel itself, and not something that can be adjusted out or corrected aside from replacing the panel which is more money than the TV would cost to replace.

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